Interpersonal abuse facilitated by media is a rising concern:
: 31% of parents report their children have been contacted by a stranger on a mobile device; in 28% of those cases, the stranger referenced the child's specific location.
Teens are increasingly exposed to graphic and abusive themes across various media platforms:
The World Happiness Report 2026 highlights that heavy media use is contributing to a population-level decline in teen well-being. Social Media and Youth Mental Health - HHS.gov
: 25% of teens who saw violent content found it through platform features like "For You" recommendations or newsfeeds.
: An average American youth witnesses approximately 200,000 violent acts on television before the age of 18. Specific Content Types :
: 56% of teens have seen videos of physical fights between young people.